Looking for a Low Temp Thermostat?

 I'm here to tell you that's a bad idea.

Over the years, there have been a few folks who have pushed for FIAT replacement thermostats that open at lower temperatures. The factory specified a 190-195 degree (Fahrenheit) open, but some aftermarket producers have gone as low as 175 degrees.

What are the actual benefits of going lower?

 

Put your engineering hat on with me, and let's talk applied science. If you consider the internal combustion engine as an air pump operated by thermal expansion, *more* block heat is *more* power and efficiency. -- Every joule of energy sent out to the atmosphere as heat (through the radiator) is a joule of combustion energy lost. --

 

For proof-of-concept, look into the experiments in the 80s and 90s with ceramic engine blocks. They ran hot and achieved better efficiency (power), but nobody could make one last for obvious reasons. The temperature limitation we have come to expect of our motors is a function of the materials necessary (metals and gaskets) to build long-lasting motors.

 

Modern manufacturers regularly wait until 230 degrees (or so) before even turning cooling fans on. Many run up around 260 before there's any significant longevity concerns. That's mostly a function of superior metallurgy and higher pressure cooling systems.

 

Running motors cooler than designed (the FIAT DOHC included) is bad practice, with almost exclusively negative consequences. It puts manufactured clearances out-of-specification, because those specifications were set *at design temperature* for component materials that expand at differing rates. Which means that engine components tend to wear faster when too cold. Also, in more extreme cases, if engine oil is not allowed to reach a normal temperature, the condensation that occurs inside a crankcase (as a function of heat cycling) can create a significant concentration of water. Obviously, this has numerous detrimental effects.

 

Most people who swap in low temp thermostats do so because their cooling systems have other underlying issues. I would always recommend dealing with the problem over a potentially dangerous band-aid. You can see my post here on how to correctly burp the cooling system of a FIAT 124 Spider, to make sure you aren't chasing a simple problem.

 

Hope this is helpful,

Aaron

 

Get a high-quality, OE temperature thermostat here!

New, Used, or NOS - How It Matters To You.

From Matt,

We are often asked what the best buy is between new, used, or NOS (new old stock).  The short answer is that NEW is the best bet in almost every case.

-New-

New parts are always of recent manufacture.  Now, some people may question the quality and origin of new manufactured parts.  Well, fear not, in most cases our New parts are produced by the original manufacturer in Italy, even though it was not FIAT or Alfa Romeo!  What I mean is that FIAT and Alfa Romeo contracted a number of other companies to make various parts, and then they simply assembled many of them to build their cars.  This is not uncommon with auto manufacturers; in fact it is much more the rule than the exception.  Now, can a company really say that these parts are OEM?  They all do.  Does this mean that everything that comes in a FIAT or Alfa Romeo bag or box is an OEM part?  Certainly not!  In most cases, the auto maker did not make that bag, either.  So, when you buy a new Fiat part or Alfa part you can certainly bet that 99.9% of the time that part will be just as good or BETTER than original.

-Used-

Used parts are always exactly what they say they are: USED!  So, lets say you've just purchased a car and the column switch is bad, which means you don't have turn signals.  With modern technology you can go to an online auction site and find a used part to fix your problem.  Or you can take a little more time and search for new parts vendors, such as ourselves.  You'll ask yourself, "Do I want to pay $90 now, or do I want to get that one from the 'Sanford & Son' style junk yard on eBay for $70?"  Many people will opt for the cheaper of the two options, which means sacrificing new for used.  They'll read that lovely product description that says the "car only had xxxxxx miles when parted out" and that the "part just looks great."  Well let me break down the facts: Used parts cost 1/2 - 2/3 cost of new, but... Buying a used part requires the death of a car...  Used parts share their age with that of the car: 25-45 years old, or older...  All used parts have degraded with age (especially rubber, plastic, and electronic parts)...  Used parts are USED and it simply doesn't matter if the item is advertised as Grade 8 out of 10, or Grape Ape out of 10 -- it is still USED.

-NOS-

NOS parts are unused, leftover old stock from original inventory when FIAT & Alfa Romeo were in the country selling parts at their dealerships.  Many people have gone to the new dealerships looking for parts from FIAT USA, but just because FIAT is back does not mean they are making parts for our cars.  In fact they simply haven't done that, almost ever.  This refers back to the new parts section of this post.  When the cars rolled out, FIAT and Alfa didn't make the replacement parts. That was left to the original manufacturers, and they were sold through dealerships like us, or landed on shelves in hot, dusty warehouses.  So, NOS or New?  You say, "I found a NEW WATER PUMP for $50, and I found a NOS WATER PUMP for $50.  Which is better?"  The answer: the NEW WATER PUMP every time.  Not only are the bearings and alloys in the new pump NEW, you can rest assured that it was made on superior modern machinery.  That NOS rubber bushing?... Is still 40 years old, hard, degraded rubber that is ready to crack with the first hard use.  NOS plastic part?... Unless it was kept in an air conditioned "clean room," (which it wasn't) that plastic has become brittle and hard with age, too.  These old parts just can't stand up to the same level of use that a new part could.  In other words, most NOS parts have already lived out the majority of their serviceable lives on a warehouse shelf.  So, the simplest way to think of NOS is: NOS is the best answer when NEW is simply not available.


New, Used, or NOS...  Now you know the truth behind the branding.  NEW means great quality, made recently. Used means its USED regardless of what someone may "grade" it.  NOS means it is unused BUT it is 25-45 years old.

Matt

Next Stop: Prima Brakes!

So, once again I'm thrilled to introduce one of my creations for the Fiat 124... And it's sure to bring the world of classic Fiats to a screeching halt, being modest!

"What's that?!" you say? That, my friend, would be a revolution for your car...

Say hello to an affordable front brake kit! Introducing improved stopping power, reliability, safety, and performance: the VAS Prima brake kit for the Fiat 124 and 2000! For the daily driver, street performance enthusiast, and budget racer... Utilizing Euro parts and the finest American design and workmanship, you can rely on these brakes for years to come; and they won't break the bank.

This is not merely an oversized stock brake system; this is a modern brake system with vastly improved “sliding pin” calipers, and oversized VENTED rotors (also available drilled and slotted). This is the same technology Fiat chose above all others for use on the venerated Nuova 500, which we have now brought to your classic Fiat for an unbeatable price!

Original vintage Fiat brakes utilize archaic and troublesome solid rotors and the “sliding wedge” caliper design, which requires the moving portion of the brake assembly to grind and slide across large steel brake wedges. These surfaces are prone to rust, corrosion, brake dust accumulation, and more, which leads to dragging brakes and horrible, inconsistent brake performance. The most noticeable and hazardous result of this is rapid, uneven braking described as “sawing” at the steering wheel.

Solid rotors and sliding wedge calipers have gone the way of the buffalo, and for a very good reason. Like modern Fiat brakes, the new Prima kit eliminates the many problems associated with solid rotors and sliding wedge calipers, and goes even farther. Prima brakes will perform with grace under the most demanding driving, for both safety and fun!

VAS will offer a full line of inexpensive and easy-to-install replacement parts, which will bring your new front brakes to a swift stop--far into the future.

The highlights:

• Technology of modern Fiats
• Increased braking force
• Increased brake rotor cooling
• Better braking consistency
• Improved caliper design
• Increased brake pad surface area
• Good pedal response
• Streetable pedal travel
• DOT-approved stainless brake hoses
• Available replacement parts!
• Modern braking performance!!
• Low price!!!

I'll now leave you to ruminate on that for a while... Oh, yeah. Surely you're wondering, "BUT HOW MUCH?!" The answer?

$550!!

Booyah.

Aaron

An Interview on the Fiat 124 Spider

Recently, Tim, the publisher of a popular publication on vintage autos, contacted VAS about contributing to an upcoming article on the Fiat 124. Of course, it's thrilling to hear of a feature on the car we all know and love, so who wouldn't jump at the chance?!

______________________________________


Tim: What do you like best about the Fiat 124?

VAS: Thank you for the opportunity to share thoughts on the 124. When most people think of the Fiat 124, they actually remember the 124 “Sport Spider”. This is the beautifully styled two-door convertible variant which was introduced to the US in 1968 and later sold as the Spider 2000 and Pininfarina Spider, up through the 1985 ½ model.

Often Italian cars are considered finicky to the point of being unreliable. Not so with the 124! Most of the Spider's drive-line and suspension components had been tested and proven on the 124 Sedan, which saw production licenses extended to numerous companies globally, and production numbers around 20 million units. Also, the dual-overhead-cam (DOHC) powerplant devised for the Spider was the earth-shaking design of famed Ferrari engineer Aurelio Lampredi.

Lampredi's DOHC engine was a breakthrough when introduced. His design was so good that Fiat continued to produce it in various forms until 1999, giving it a production span of 33 years! Numerous manufacturers worldwide would go on to emulate his belt-driven dual-cam design, even implementing it on many of the most reliable cars available today. Throughout its tenure, this motor won Fiat and Lancia (between 1977 and 1992) a total of TEN World Rally Championship Manufacturer's Cups!!

Not only are they powerful and flexible, these motors are VERY reliable if proper maintenance is observed. Like many modern import cars, long life is par for the course with the proper care of your Spider.

To sum up an answer to question number 1: The mix of  timeless styling, cutting-edge suspension and drive-line, plus a revolutionary engine design make the Fiat Spider an exceptionally fun and reliable car.

Tim: What is the biggest problem or frustration with this car?

VAS: Many would immediately answer, “Countless, impossible electrical issues!” However, unlike many of its contemporaries (like the MGB!), the Fiat 124 electrical system was well thought out and engineered. With color coded, circuit-specific connectors and an easy to reach fuse box, it was a dream to maintain among imported cars.

If connectors are clean and grounds secure, the system is first rate with one glaring exception: nearly all necessary electrical current is routed through the ignition switch which diminishes the available power and causes premature ignition switch failure.

The answer is not to install over-capacity alternators; at best a risky proposition!  Oversized alternators have been known to burn up voltage regulators and ignition switches: a sure indication of additional damage to the electrical system.

The great news is that for less than $40 the do-it-yourselfer can install relay kits and a few new ground pods, bringing the electrics into the modern era.

Tim: What year do you like best and why?

VAS: A few years ago, I had the pleasure of spending a morning with Tom Tjaarda, the designer of the Spider. Mr. Tjaarda expressed a preference for the early Spiders with the smaller bumpers.

Personally, I like different things about the various model years. But, if you pushed me to choose one, I’d take a 1972 model with small bumpers, lightweight unibody, and the 1608cc engine, which I consider the best engine of the lot for its well-designed combustion chambers and quick, high revving nature.

Tim: What most often goes wrong with these cars?

VAS: Apart from the routing of the electrical system (mentioned above), the most common headaches for owners are all fairly easy to remedy: timing belt failure, flex disk failure, and cooling system issues.

The first two problems have a simple solution: regular maintenance. Many American owners who are accustomed to domestic vehicles don't even realize that the timing belt and flex disk (the round rubber isolator which connects the output shaft of the transmission to the driveshaft) require occasional replacement! These are both easy tasks, with plenty of clear Fiat original literature reproductions available to help with swapping them out.

The cooling system issues are a tad more complex, but just as easy to remedy. The trouble arises due to the fact that the radiator is lower than other points in the coolant path. When, for whatever reason, work is done that involves the cooling system, the water jacket must be “burped” to ensure proper coolant flow through the radiator.

Burping is a simple procedure, but is a little known and oft overlooked task leading to overheated engines, rigged cooling fan operation, and the search for a low temperature thermostat. In this case, the addition of a $12.99 Flush Tee installed in a heater hose and a quick read of the reproduction factory shop manual resolves this issue.

Tim: What three things would you do to modify or improve this car?

VAS: Tim, I could write all day about this. In fact, I practically do!

GO FASTER: Job number one is fuel delivery. And the best fuel delivery system out there is our VAS Programmable Fuel Injection. VAS PFI is the only modernized, scalable fuel injection kit (with direct spark control!) for the Fiat Spider in the world. In fact, we ship it worldwide.

PFI allows the do-it-yourselfer to maximize any and all enhancements made to his engine, whether high compression pistons, forced induction, ported/polished head, radical cams, header or free flow exhaust. A carb (or two) will only go so far. For maximum horsepower, there is no substitute for PFI.  In only its 3rd year on the market, our PFI kit outsells our dual carburetor sales 4-to-1.

Between the PFI conversion, and our pistons, head, cams, and exhaust, we have dyno results showing a 70% increase in power above stock.

STOP SOONER: Second, I’d install either VAS Improvement Brakes or our new Prima brake kit. Not to be confused with other kits, our brake kits are the only direct-fit vented rotor brakes for 124.  Enthusiasts who have driven Spiders equipped with our vented brakes consistently comment on the quick the stopping and the rock solid feel of the brake pedal. Folks are amazed at how much steering wobble original brakes can exhibit

KEEP IT GOING: Because I live in Texas where it's VERY hot, my third pick would be our dual row, cross-flow aluminum Performance radiator.  The cross flow design improves cooling and the bright aluminum looks fabulous under the hood.

Tim: What is the best accessory to add to this car?

VAS: Bar none, the best accessory investment for a Fiat Spider is a set of 15” alloy wheels. New 15” XXR wheels are available for as little as $440 a set, and the benefits of this investment are well worth it.

For starters, the 13” and 14” tire is going the way of the buffalo. These tires may be available in low profiles for modern “econo-boxes”, but in the very tall profile required by the Spider, they are becoming extremely scarce.

Enter the 15” rim. Slightly lower profile and wider contact surface improves handling and response drastically, while opening up a world of available and inexpensive tire sizes. We recommend 205/50R15 size tires for Spiders. The /50 profile is not too low or high, but looks just right in the well of a 124. Better driving, better looking, better tire selection: Win!

Tim: Any other comments or thoughts on these cars?

VAS: Let’s get this straight: That “Fix It Again, Tony” snicker-ism is absolute nonsense. These cars are well built! In the early years they were inexpensive, so they sold to college age people without the money to keep them in good repair. Usually, they sat outside, which is never a good thing for convertibles...

With the 45-year anniversary behind us, Spiders soldier on. It is a testament to the car's durability that there are this many on the road.

For any model to be desirable, it needs new and exciting parts.  For example, an MGB, a British classic, and contemporary of the Fiat 124 Spider, has benefited from innovative suppliers who have devised suspension upgrades, cross flow heads, aluminum radiators, etc.

The turn of the century brought staleness to the Fiat parts industry. Sadly, sheepskin seat covers and Chinese made LED lights were the most exciting new parts on the market. Then things began to look up in January, 2009. Vick Autosports, under new ownership, adopted the mission to develop new and exciting products to enhance the hobby for vintage Fiat enthusiasts.  You can see the impressive results in our printed parts catalog (available for free at www.vickauto.com), and the best is yet to come!